Political Tensions Deepen in Kano NNPP as Governor’s Aide Clashes with Lawmaker

By Adamu Aliyu Aliyu/ABUJA//

The ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State is facing internal turmoil as tensions escalate between Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Director-General of Media and Publicity to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and Engr. Tijjani Abdulkadir Jobe, a member of the House of Representatives representing Dawakin Tofa, Tofa, and Rimin Gado Federal Constituency.

The conflict intensified after Sanusi Bature publicly criticized Engr. Jobe on his verified Facebook page, marking the beginning of a heated political confrontation. Bature challenged the lawmaker, stating that if Jobe wanted a fight, he was ready for it, adding that he was no longer afraid of him.

He emphasized the importance of accountability in leadership, stressing that elected officials must serve the people rather than pursue personal interests. According to him, his respect for Jobe was based on his responsibility to the electorate, as their rights were in his hands to protect and deliver. He maintained that anyone elected to represent the people must fulfill their mandate.

Political Rivalry Traced Back to 2023 Elections

The rift between Bature and Jobe dates back to the 2023 general elections, when Bature initially planned to contest for the House of Representatives seat under the NNPP but later withdrew after Engr. Jobe defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the NNPP.

Tensions escalated further when Bature publicly praised Engr. Abba Ganduje, son of the APC National Chairman, for his remarks at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Strategic Roundtable with the Adamawa State Government. He commended Abba Ganduje as a good representative of Dawakin Tofa and described him as an excellent fit for his role at REA, wishing him Allah’s guidance.

Supporters of Engr. Jobe perceived Bature’s remarks as a betrayal, deepening the divide within the NNPP’s Kwankwasiyya movement.

Bature Hints at Political Ambitions

While criticizing Engr. Jobe, Bature also hinted at his political aspirations, reaffirming his commitment to serving the people. He stated that no one should assume he would tolerate disrespect simply because he had political ambitions. He expressed his belief in destiny and asserted that he could set aside his personal aspirations to defend the honor of his people.

Bature further challenged Jobe’s leadership, questioning his willingness to change. He suggested that if necessary, he would abandon his own candidacy just to oppose Jobe, reinforcing his stance against what he described as ineffective leadership.

Internal Crisis Within NNPP Worsens

The NNPP in Kano has been grappling with internal crises, and the latest dispute between Bature and Jobe further exposes cracks within the party.

Recently, the party suspended four National Assembly members, Senator Kawu Sumaila, Rep. Ali Madakin Gini, Rep. Sani Abdullahi Rogo, and Rep. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum over alleged anti-party activities.

This followed an earlier crisis in October 2024, which led to the removal of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, and the Commissioner for Transport, Muhammad Diggol, over allegations of insubordination and disrespect toward the party’s leadership.

As tensions continue to rise, the NNPP faces increasing pressure to resolve its internal disputes and maintain party unity ahead of future political contests.